Common Conditions

Overview - Premature Ejaculation

What is premature ejaculation (PE)?

Premature ejaculation is repeated ejaculation in response to minimal stimulation before, at the time of, or shortly after penetration, but before the man wishes it, and over which the man feels he has little or no control. It is important to recognize that premature ejaculation is a subjective diagnosis and totally depends on the satisfaction of the partners.

How common is PE?

PE is the most common sexual dysfunction reported by men but is still under-diagnosed and under-treated. Estimating the prevalence of PE is difficult since many men do not want to talk about it, while others may not even perceive that they have PE.

However, recent research indicates that 25-30% of men struggle with PE.

PE can happen at any age and its prevalence is consistent across all ages.

Is there variation in incidence between countries?

Global studies consistently report that 20-30% of men experience PE worldwide. This means that PE is experienced at similar rates across the globe.

What is the difference between life-long and acquired PE?

Primary PE refers to men who have experienced this sexual problem since first having sex.

Secondary PE refers to men who had ejaculatory control at some point but began experiencing PE later in life, sometimes even after years of satisfying sex, without explanation.